Thermodynamic characteristics of the dissociation of carbon diselenide are examined. Results of a shock-tube study of CSe2 pyrolysis are combined with previously unreported photoionization spectroscopy data on CSez and with a critical examination of the available literature on Se(g), SeZ(g), CSe(g), CSez(g), and CSez(l). Based on the best currently available information, recommendations are made for the values of enthalpies, entropies, heat capacities, and derived functions. In particular, the most likely value for AHo0(CSe2(g) -i CSe(g) 4-Se(g,aP)) is $83 kcal/mol, and for K p a t 2000°K it is 0.018 atm.